About this time last year I had finished the Couch to 5K program by about a couple of weeks and was planning to take part in 'Race for Life'

[Hazydaisy]

when I fell down the stairs and broke my sacrum (lower back). I'm now fine to start running again but should I start from Wk1 of Couch for Life or can I start from somewhere in the middle?

[Alaiyo Graduate]

Since it was about a year ago, you should probably start from the beginning, assuming you haven't been running since then. You probably remember that it ramps up pretty slowly the first couple of weeks, to give your muscles time to get stronger, so you may be tempted to skip ahead. If you feel ready, go for it, but just set your expectations that you will slow down and back up if it gets too hard - and that will be just fine, not a failure.

Alternately, you can start over and do the program like normal, but focus a little more this time on form or speed. If you do, chances are very, very good that you won't have to back up later, and that you will end up faster and stronger than before when you finish.

[happierswimming Graduate]

I was tempted to start the programme in the middle because I was able to run 2 miles (3.2k) and thought that the podcasts would help me manage 5k, which I had struggled to do. I'm very glad I began from the start, because my body and mind have both benefitted from the progressive nature of the training. I'm halfway through now and feel there is a real possiblity of achieving the target. 9 weeks isn't very long but it's surprising how much stronger the body gets during those weeks.

[gypsydepp Graduate]

I also think you should start from the beginning.

It will give your body ( and mind! ) the time it needs to become strong and ready for running.

The 9 weeks will pass very quickly, too.

Imagine if you started half way through and foung it too hard, that would be very discouraging.

Good luck ! And keep us posted

[Hazydaisy Graduate]

Thank you everyone, I'm definitely going to start from the beginning again after your advice. Afterall I did it once, I should be able to do it again.